Top North America Bird Watching in 2026

Escape Skagway with a visit to Chilkoot Lake State Park in Haines. Board a high-speed catamaran in Skagway and fly through the water to Haines, admiring steep fjord walls and unnamed waterfalls along the way. Meet your naturalist guide at the park entrance, and discover a lake rimmed by snowy mountains, a river bursting with salmon, Tlingit cultural sites, and wildlife including bald eagles, brown bears, and harbor seals.

Venture beyond New Orleans to the wilds of the Louisiana bayous on a small-group kayaking tour of the Manchac and Maurepas swamps. Climb aboard a tandem kayak and paddle through a lush landscape of cypress forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife. No kayaking experience is necessary, as a guide teaches you everything need to know to enjoy this Southern-style adventure.

Visit the top attractions in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest on this day trip from Portland. After spending the morning chasing waterfalls and marveling at 500-pound fish at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, enjoy free time for lunch in historic downtown Hood River. After lunch, we will visit a vineyard in the region for a wine tasting and drive more than halfway up the side of Mt. Hood to explore Timberline Lodge

A unique facility in the heart of Dallas featuring something for all ages. Both indoor and outdoor areas. Entire facility is ADA accessible. Dallas Fair Park was the site of the 1936 World's Fair and Texas Centennial and Texas Discovery Gardens is part of the overall park.

Learn about the native cultures of Alaska during your time in Ketchikan on this private shore excursion. This tour is completely flexible and can be tailored to your group's interests. Some options include visiting totem parks, a salmon hatchery, beaches, waterfalls, or going on a hike. While you explore, your guide teaches you about Native American culture and traditions.

Get out of town for a half-day hike up to scenic waterfalls with this small-group hiking experience for up to four people. Your certified naturalist guide will lead you and your group on a challenging hike up to beautiful waterfalls, teaching you how to identify local plant life along the way.

Sail the waters of Resurrection Bay in search of Californian gray whales on a half-day cruise from Seward. These huge mammals arrive here every March through May on their annual migration northward into Alaska’s waters. Watch for these incredible beasts and other whale species, as well as other wildlife, and view the luminous blue glaciers crowning the surrounding mountains.

Pair science with San Francisco nightlife and you have NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences. Prebooking your admission ticket is the perfect, child-free way to explore the museum after hours. Make your way inside and enjoy a lively venue of music, provocative science, and exhibits. Each special program changes weekly and is well worth exploring.

Explore Xochimilco’s vibrant traditions through a unique canoe tour that takes you through four iconic sites, with special emphasis on the historic Chinampas and their deep agricultural heritage. Enjoy traditional food made with local ingredients and get involved in experiences of Nahuatl origin that connect you directly with the living culture of the region. This personalized adventure offers an authentic look at the heart of Xochimilco’s ecological and cultural richness. Meet the ajolote, an animal endemic to Mexico, in its lake environment Enjoy delicious traditional Chinesempera food Tour the historic canals by canoe Connect with local culture through a Nahuatl root experience

Get out of the big city and explore the stunning beaches and beautiful towns along Oregon’s northern coast on this full-day, small-group tour from Portland. Visit the charming towns of Manzanita and Cannon Beach—home of the famous Haystack Rock—browse antique shops and art galleries, and stop at several beaches to maximize your time at the Oregon Coast.

Experience natural views that are tough to match when exploring solo on this wildlife and nature coastal cruise. Depending on the time of year, you have the chance to spot whales, dolphins, ocean sunfish, and the thousands of puffins that nest along the coastline. Enjoy educational commentary from your guide as you learn about Newfoundland’s marine heritage.

Experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting on Wyoming's scenic rapids with our standard raft option. Perfect for larger families or those seeking stability, you'll tackle thrilling Class II and III rapids like the Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter. Paddle along an 8-mile (13-kilometer) stretch that boasts limestone cliffs, Lodgepole Pine hills, and the majestic Grey’s National Forest backdrop.

Escape the packed beaches and enjoy a private experience in nature during this half-day hike in Los Cabos. Get a chance to bathe in both natural cold water river pools and secluded hot springs, learning about the flora and fauna of the Baja peninsula. Hikes are adapted to fitness and experience levels, with the option to follow a longer and more challenging route.

Take in the sunset at sea on this evening whale watching tour. Cruise the Salish Sea while learning about the marine wildlife of the region from your certified naturalist guide. This tour takes you in search of whales and other wildlife while the sun sets over the waves—with whales guaranteed, otherwise you come back for free!

Discover the Magic of Tucson’s Sonoran Desert: Guided Hikes, Wellness Adventures, and Nature Immersion Embark on unforgettable guided hikes through the stunning, enchanted landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll, an exhilarating trek, or a mindful yoga and meditation experience amidst towering saguaro cacti and breathtaking scenery, our adventures are designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Learn about the vibrant flora and elusive fauna—javelina, coyotes, roadrunners, and more—while soaking in the desert’s awe-inspiring beauty. Please come prepared with adequate water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, and proper attire for a safe and enjoyable experience. Perfect for explorers, nature lovers, and wellness seekers alike, these hikes promise scenic vistas, wildlife encounters, and a deep connection to this unique desert paradise.

Immerse yourself in nature and go birdwatching at Sian Ka’an, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve near Tulum. Travel with a small group of just eight people and a local bird and wildlife guide to the Muyil archeological site. Learn about Maya culture while keeping an eye out for 40 to 80 different species of birds, depending on the time of year.

Discover the wildlife of the Cape May wetlands during this sunset cruise. Climb aboard a boat and set out on a tour focused on coastline birds and wildlife. As the sun sets, cruise into the salt marshes behind Cape May and Wildwood to observe and photograph several species of birds. Admire views of the marine life and learn about their ecosystem during this tour.

Nature's Calling! Discover the hidden beauty of Geiger Key with The Paddle Hut, where small groups of up to 10 guests per guide create a personal, relaxed experience for all skill levels. Our knowledgeable local guides share their passion for the Florida Keys, introducing you to the fascinating wildlife, mangrove ecosystems, and natural wonders of the backcountry. With personalized paddle instruction, opportunities to ask questions, and time to appreciate your surroundings, every tour combines adventure, discovery, and environmental awareness. Choose a single kayak, tandem kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Safety equipment, dry bags, and water are provided, along with complimentary round-trip transportation from Key West accommodations. Come for the adventure, leave with a deeper connection to nature!

Discover the best of the Rocky Mountain National Park on a guided full-day tour. Park entrance, along with round-trip transportation from Denver or Boulder is conveniently included. Set at a moderate pace, the hike 4-mile (6.4-km) is perfect for people with some experience who also want to take time to appreciate the scenery.

Experience the North Atlantic for yourself on a private fishing adventure to try and capture St. John’s local specialty: cod. This is a great opportunity to catch and take some fish back home with you without the hassle of bringing fishing equipment. Shark fishing charters are also available for more adventurous travelers.

Explore the magnificent marine life of the Mexican Pacific and the Bay of Banderas on an exciting full-day tour from Puerto Vallarta. Snorkel to observe an incredible underwater wonderland; kayak in the warm waters of the Marietas Islands; and watch for exotic birds flying in their natural habitat. Look out for dolphins, whales, and more, with help from your experienced guide. Bring cash to pay the small dock fee.

Alaska’s landscapes are ones to be remembered and this photography tour helps you capture its beauty. Meet up with your guide, who is a professional photographer, and learn how to capture panoramic views, reflective ponds, and local wildlife at top locations. No matter what type of camera gear you have—even camera phones are welcome—your guide provides one-on-one attention to help you capture the best photos. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

With as many as 100,000 endangered grey bats coming to roost around the caves of Nickajack Lake, this kayaking tour near Chattanooga offers an exceptional opportunity to watch them on their nightly hunts. You’ll visit the Nickajack Bat Cave and Wildlife Refuge in the Tennessee River and paddle out to the bat cave. While these animals take to the sky during sunset, you’ll learn about the local efforts made to protect and preserve the species.

Soak up the beauty of British Columbia's Salish Sea and spot some of the many wildlife species that make their way here on this sunset whale-watching cruise from Vancouver. Learn about the native marine life as your comfortable catamaran cruises the water in search of whales and enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting over the Salish Sea.